Newest Findings from a Nerdy Undergrad

Pink Ribbon Logo

I have an update; my interviews have been a complete success! At first I thought I would never find anyone to interview and that I’d be a defeated and stressed person who hides in the darkest corners that scream failure. Dramatic, I know, but I genuinely felt that this research project may not happen.

The Breakdown

The week before my spring break was very jam-packed because I had an interview every day Monday through Thursday. Because I am an organizational freak who always needs structure for big projects, I had a post-it note taped to my desk to remember who I would call and when. Here’s what it looked like:

• Monday
  • Nicole Pape- Executive Director of Stiletto Stampede (11:15am)
• Tuesday
  • Amy Paulishak- Vice President of Brides Against Breast Cancer (2:30pm)
• Wednesday
  • Jennifer Keddy- PR Representative of New Balance Lace Up for the Cure (11:15am)
• Thursday
  • Caitrin Cardosi- Graduate student at KSU (11am)
  • Sarah Schmitz- Operations Manager of Susan G. Komen Indianapolis (11:45am)

Results

With each interview that I had I learned even more about breast cancer fashion shows and cause-related programs in general. A very important thing that I learned is that with each organization there are going to be different goals and purposes. Looking at the differences between New Balance and Stiletto Stampede is a key example.

New Balance and Stiletto Stampede have the similar goal of wanting to build awareness but since New Balance is also a retail company, they also desire to raise money through the apparel that is sold. Stiletto Stampede promotes early detection through additional programs like Boob Camp or High-heel Happy Hour, which are educational programs and rehabilitation programs for post-surgery patients.

My new understanding is forming a fashion show that represents a company and breast cancer is not a simple thing. There is so much involved in forming a show with different aspects that are truly extraordinary. Talking to these women makes me even more excited to talk to people in London and see if their strategies are the same. I’m excited and ready to explore!